Three Dead in Hantavirus Cases on MV Hondius Cruise Ship

Three people have died aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean amid a suspected hantavirus outbreak. The World Health Organization confirmed one case of hantavirus infection on the vessel, with five more suspected cases under investigation. The outbreak was reported on the ship, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.

One British national aged 69 is in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. South African authorities stated that the first person to show virus symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board the MV Hondius. His body is now on the island of Saint Helena.

The 69-year-old wife of the 70-year-old passenger became ill on board and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital. The husband and wife were a Dutch couple, according to AFP citing a source close to the case. The third fatality remains on board the MV Hondius cruise ship, the same source told AFP.

Discussions are under way to decide whether two other sick passengers should be placed in isolation in a hospital in Cape Verde, according to AFP citing a source close to the case. The MV Hondius would continue to Spain's Canary Islands after Cape Verde, the source added.

The WHO is helping coordinate between member states and the ship's operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers.

The WHO is conducting a full public health risk assessment and providing support for those still on board the MV Hondius. The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on 20 March and was expected to complete its journey on 4 May in Cape Verde, according to the Oceanwide Expeditions website. 6m polar cruise ship with space for 170 people in 80 cabins, the website states.

The MV Hondius is run by Dutch-based tour company Oceanwide Expeditions, according to BBC News. Foster Mohale, spokesperson for South Africa's health ministry, stated that at least two people had died on the MV Hondius.